Schools

HOLLAND, Mich. – Dr. Emilie Dykstra Goris of the Hope College nursing faculty has received an award and a new grant for her on-going research into the genetics of behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease.

In April, she will be presented the Outstanding Dissertation Award by the Physiology, Behavior, Genomics & Society Research Section of the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) for work that she conducted while in graduate school. During the next two years, she will continue her research through a $50,000 grant she recently received from the Kenneth H. Campbell Foundation for Neurological Research.

She has been seeking to learn more about the role played by a specific gene, Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR), in apathy as a symptom among those with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s research that she notes may also enhance understanding of apathy among those with other disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Emilie Dykstra Goris of the Hope College nursing faculty has received an award and a new grant for her on-going research into the genetics of behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease.

In April, she will be presented the Outstanding Dissertation Award by the Physiology, Behavior, Genomics & Society Research Section of the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) for work that she conducted while in graduate school. During the next two years, she will continue her research through a $50,000 grant she recently received from the Kenneth H. Campbell Foundation for Neurological Research.

She has been seeking to learn more about the role played by a specific gene, Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR), in apathy as a symptom among those with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s research that she notes may also enhance understanding of apathy among those with other disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.

Twenty-one soloists, two duets, a trio, three quartets, three choirs and two ensembles from West Ottawa High School received first division ratings at the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association District 10 Solo & Ensemble Festival at East Kentwood High School on January 31, 2015.

By earning the first division (or excellent) ratings, they qualified to participate in the MSBOA State Solo & Ensemble Festival to be held March 21 at Grandville High School.

“The number of first division medals have been steadily increasing over the past decade,” noted Michael Hamann, band director. “I think this may be the most first division medals our kids have ever earned at this event.”

HOLLAND, Mich.-- State Rep. Amanda Price presented Lakeshore Elementary School with a special state tribute from the Michigan Legislature, signed by Price, Sen. Arlan Meekhof and Gov. Rick Snyder, to commemorate its exemplary achievement as a 2013-14 National Blue Ribbon School award winner.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to recognize Lakeshore Elementary as a National Blue Ribbon Award recipient and the entire school community for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Price, R-Park Township. “The collaboration between staff and parents has created a nurturing environment in which, with the continued commitment of Lakeshore’s educators, students are continuing to excel academically.”

Lakeshore Elementary is part of the West Ottawa Public School District and serves over 400 students from kindergarten to fifth-grade.

The Dental Careers program at Careerline Tech Center started the 2015 school year with state-of-the-art dental chairs allowing students to gain hands-on experience with technology used in today’s dental offices.

“These chairs allow our students to gain experience on the high-tech equipment found in the current work environment and gives our students an advantage when applying for jobs after high school,” said Denise Callaghan, dental careers instructor for CTC. “Receiving these chairs as a donation from Dr. Darren Riopelle at Little Smiles provides our students with real-world experience and helps set the stage for a successful career.”

During the winter break from school, many students will pack away their books and turn their attention away from learning.

To help ensure your students are still learning, statewide virtual learning school, Michigan Connections Academy, is sharing activities you can do as a family to keep your young students busy and their brains active over the break.

1. Practice math while baking holiday cookies. Students struggle with fractions and always want to know when they will “use math in real life.” The perfect time to practice fractions is while you are baking cookies. Two-thirds of a cup plus 1/3 of a cup equals one whole cup, which your child will see as you work on making those cookies, helping develop a real life connection to what they are learning in school.

HOLLAND, Mich.—A lesson in business at Eagle Crest Charter Academy is now helping families in need.

Every year, Maribeth Slusher’s fourth grade class hosts Slusher’s Sweet Shop, selling tasty holiday treats for $0.25 each during lunchtime between Thanksgiving and winter break. Slusher’s students are in charge of setting up shop, collecting money, checking inventory and giving the class a daily financial report. The cookies and baked goods are made by Slusher and the students’ parents.

This year, the class raised $1,005.34—all of which will go to local charities chosen by the students.